Drug Interaction Report

Insulin Detemir and Clonidine Transdermal Patch: Interaction Details

A pharmacist-reviewed analysis of the Insulin Detemir and Clonidine Transdermal Patch interaction: the documented clinical effects, severity rating, onset, mechanism, and management considerations, with cited references throughout.

AI-assisted, pharmacist-reviewed · Source data updated Aug 8, 2026 · Sources: FDA labeling, DDInter 2.0, cited literature

Clonidine Transdermal Patch

Catapres Catapres-TTS®
+

Insulin Detemir

Levemir
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS
Updated Aug 8, 2026
Editorial policy · Data sources
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Interaction severity
Moderate
Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
How we grade severity & evidence

Severity levels

  • Contraindicated: These should generally not be used together.
  • Major: Potentially serious — often needs a change or close monitoring.
  • Moderate: Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.
  • Minor: Usually limited clinical impact.

Evidence grades

  • Established: Well documented — supported by controlled studies or strong clinical data.
  • Probable: Good supporting evidence, though not definitively proven.
  • Suspected: Some evidence suggests this interaction, but it is not well established.
  • Possible: Limited or conflicting evidence; the interaction may occur.
  • Theoretical: Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Ratings come from the documented interaction literature and are reviewed by a pharmacist. They describe the documented risk of the combination, not what will necessarily happen to you — your dose, timing, and health picture all matter.

Of 75 documented Insulin Detemir interactions, 39 are rated moderate — including this one.
Onset
unspecified
Evidence
theoretical
Severity
Moderate

What happens

An increased risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia

Interaction Deep Dive

cloNIDine may either increase or decrease the blood glucose-lowering effect of insulin, and may diminish the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood glucose levels more frequently when cloNIDine is added or discontinued in a patient receiving insulin. Changes in the dose of insulin may also be required with concomitant therapy123456.

Why it happens (mechanism)

Unknown

Common questions

Can I take Insulin Detemir and Clonidine Transdermal Patch together?

An increased risk of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia Always confirm with your pharmacist or prescriber before making any change.

How serious is the Insulin Detemir and Clonidine Transdermal Patch interaction?

It is rated moderate. Can be significant — usually manageable with monitoring.

How quickly could this interaction happen?

The documented onset is "unspecified". The timing of this interaction is not well characterized.

How strong is the evidence for this interaction?

The evidence is graded "theoretical". Predicted from the drugs' pharmacology; not yet confirmed in people.

Questions for your pharmacist

  • Does my dose of Insulin Detemir or Clonidine Transdermal Patch need adjusting while I take them together?
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you or my prescriber right away?
  • Does the timing of my doses matter for this combination?
  • Is there anything you'd monitor while I'm on both?

References (6)

  1. Product Information: APIDRA(R) subcutaneous injection solution, intravenous injection solution, insulin glulisine rDNA origin subcutaneous injection solution, intravenous injection solution. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2015. DailyMed
  2. Product Information: HUMULIN(R) 70/30 subcutaneous injection suspension, human insulin isophane 70% human insulin 30% rDNA origin subcutaneous injection suspension. Lilly USA, LLC (per FDA), Indianapolis, IN, 2015. DailyMed
  3. Product Information: Humalog(R) subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, insulin lispro rDNA origin subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection. Lilly USA, LLC (per FDA), Indianapolis, IN, 2015. DailyMed
  4. Product Information: LANTUS(R) subcutaneous injection solution, insulin glargine rDNA origin subcutaneous injection solution. Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (per FDA), Bridgewater, NJ, 2015. DailyMed
  5. Product Information: LEVEMIR(R) subcutaneous injection solution, insulin detemir rDNA origin subcutaneous injection solution. Novo Nordisk Inc. (per FDA), Plainsboro, NJ, 2015. DailyMed
  6. Product Information: NovoLog(R) subcutaneous injection solution, insulin aspart rDNA origin subcutaneous injection solution. Novo Nordisk Inc. (per FDA), Plainsboro, NJ, 2015. DailyMed
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